Slovakia Surprise Rivals, Face Great Britain In Final

Slovakia surprised Czech Republic to advance to the final of the U20 European Championship for Women Division B while also booking promotion to Division A next summer along with Great Britain, who beat Portugal.

Veronika Cernakova had 19 points while Maria Felixova (18 points and 13 rebounds) and Klaudia Lukacovicova (10 and 12) both registered double-doubles in leading Slovakia to a 53-50 victory over the Czech Republic, keeping the women's basketball powerhouse in Division B next summer despite 16 points and 14 rebounds from Alena Hanusova.

Great Britain allowed just four points in the first quarter in easing past Portugal 59-40 to move into the final and secure promotion to Division A. Mairi Buchan paced the Brits with 10 points and eight rebounds while Mary Durojaye had nine points and nine rebounds.

Sofia Da Silva had 11 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks for Portugal.

Israel beat Belgium 61-57 to move into the game for fifth place where they will take on Hungary, who knocked off Greece 56-31.